San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) waves to the fans as he leaves the field after the team's 27-13 victory over the visiting Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Sunday, December 30, 2012.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith (11) waves to the fans...

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The San Francsico 49ers vs. the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, November 30th, 2012.

Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle

The San Francsico 49ers vs. the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick...

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Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrates with Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) and Offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) after a Crabtree touchdown in the third quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) celebrates with Wide receiver...

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San Francisco 49ers Running back Frank Gore (21) scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Fans head to their seats before the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Fans head to their seats before the San Francisco 49ers game...

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Ahmed Almalik, of San Francisco, displays pieces of 49ers jewelries in the parking lot outside Candlestick Park prior to a NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

Ahmed Almalik, of San Francisco, displays pieces of 49ers jewelries...

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Candlestick Park is seen reflected from a puddle of water as fans gather to tailgate prior the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

Candlestick Park is seen reflected from a puddle of water as fans...

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Alex Smith hands the ball off to LaMichael James in the fourth quarter. Smith came in to the game for the final two 49ers drives. The San Francisco 49ers played the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, December 30, 2012, in the final game of the 2012 season.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Alex Smith hands the ball off to LaMichael James in the fourth...

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the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at...

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San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (2) is being consoled by tight end Garrett Celek (81) after missing a second field goal missing a field goal during the first half of his NFL football game against Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Sunday, December 30, 2012.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers kicker David Akers (2) is being consoled by...

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San Francisco 49ers Defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga (90) throws his show into the stands following the San Francisco 49ers win over the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga (90) throws his...

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San Francisco 49ers dressed like Wide receiver Michael Crabtree fans celebrate the Niners win in the stands following the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers dressed like Wide receiver Michael Crabtree...

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San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) in the fourth...

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San Francisco 49ers Running back Frank Gore (21) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Running back Frank Gore (21) celebrates after...

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Frank Gore hugs Denise Debartolo York in the final minutes of the game against the Arizona Cardinals. The San Francisco 49ers played the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, December 30, 2012, in the final game of the 2012 season.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Frank Gore hugs Denise Debartolo York in the final minutes of the...

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Colin Kaepernick comes off the field after the game ended. The San Francisco 49ers played the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, December 30, 2012, in the final game of the 2012 season.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Colin Kaepernick comes off the field after the game ended. The San...

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is surrounded by members of the media after the team's 27-13 victory over the visiting Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Sunday, December 30, 2012.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) is...

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A cheerleader with the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush dances during a NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Sunday, December 30, 2012.

Photo: Stephen Lam, Special To The Chronicle

A cheerleader with the San Francisco 49ers Gold Rush dances during...

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49er fans watch the Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers on TV after the 49ers beat the Cardinals 27-13 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco on Sunday, November 30th, 2012.

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a touchdown pass from Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a touchdown pass from...

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San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the...

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San Francisco 49ers Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) during the second half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) during the...

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Running back Frank Gore (21) runs through tackle by Arizona Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson (24) during the second half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle

Running back Frank Gore (21) runs through tackle by Arizona...

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49ers Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) celebrates with Wide receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (19) following his third touchdown of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

49ers Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) celebrates with Wide...

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Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) celebrates by throwing the ball into the stands after a touchdown in the third quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a touchdown pass from Quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a touchdown pass from...

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Running back Anthony Dixon (24) during the third quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Running back Anthony Dixon (24) during the third quarter of the San...

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Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) celebrates after a long catch downfield int he second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

Wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) celebrates after a long catch...

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49ers Running back LaMichael James (23) is brought down by Arizona Cardinals safety Kerry Rhodes (25) and defensive end Calais Campbell (93) during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle

49ers Running back LaMichael James (23) is brought down by Arizona...

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Kicker David Akers (2) after he misses his second field goal attempt during the second quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle

Kicker David Akers (2) after he misses his second field goal...

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49ers coach Jim Harbaugh during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh during the first half of the San Francisco...

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Offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) blocks for Running back LaMichael James (23) during the first half of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle

Offensive tackle Joe Staley (74) blocks for Running back LaMichael...

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San Francisco 49ers fans celebrate during the fourth quarter of the San Francisco 49ers game against the Arizona Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday December 30, 2012.

Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle

San Francisco 49ers fans celebrate during the fourth quarter of the...

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) scores on a 49-yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter of an NFL football game in San Francisco, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012. (AP Photo/San Francisco Chronicle, Carlos Avila Gonzalez) MANDATORY CREDIT; MAGAZINES OUT; TV OUT

They were screaming and cheering. Crossing their fingers and high-fiving every gain. Acting like your average out-of-control fans.

They were actually the 49ers' players. In the locker room, minutes after they clinched the NFC West by beating the Cardinals, the 49ers turned into the biggest Minnesota fans on earth.

If there had been Vikings helmets available, the 49ers all would have donned them and blown the Viking horn. They cheered Adrian Peterson's runs, yelled for Christian Ponder's passes. And as the Vikings lined up for a game-winning field goal, tackle Joe Staley shouted,

"Gimme that bye week!"

The 49ers got it. One week after their worst loss of the season, when they squandered the chance to grab the No. 2 seed without any help, everything went their way. Back on top of the world.

The 49ers have won back-to-back NFC West titles. And with Minnesota's win over Green Bay, they earned the second seed in the NFC and a first-round bye for the second consecutive season.

In the corner of the locker room, as the newly minted Minnesota fans celebrated, a man who was a significant part of all the 49ers' success zipped up his bag and got ready to head into the night. He was pleased but decidedly more subdued than his teammates. He knows how quickly life can change in the NFL.

Alex Smith's word of the day was "humbling." That could sum up his entire NFL career. And it described his experience Sunday.

With 5:57 to play in the fourth quarter and the 49ers leading 27-6, Smith entered the game, replacing Colin Kaepernick. It was Smith's first appearance since he threw a touchdown pass to Michael Crabtree in the second quarter against the Rams on Nov. 11.

Then, Smith came off the field with blurred vision. He sat out with a concussion, lost his job, was swept into a quarterback controversy, and watched his team proceed without him.

As he entered the game Sunday, Smith received a standing ovation from the fans. He heard cheers of "Alex, Alex, Alex," and "Let's Go, Alex."

"It was humbling, very humbling," Smith said. "I've had ups and downs here. We've been through a lot, the fans and me."

That's an understatement. Many of the same people cheering him spent six seasons booing him off the field. Some of them were probably the same ones chanting for David Carr during a bad loss to the Eagles two seasons ago.

"It almost made it sweeter in a sense," Smith said. "We've come a long way."

Now, as his time is winding down, there might be an appreciation of what Smith has meant to the 49ers. His perseverance through a strange career path. His blossoming into a player who got his team to the NFC Championship Game and who became, this season, a league leader in quarterback efficiency. And the classy way he has handled his demotion.

"There's a part of you that wants to be out there playing," Smith said. "For sure, that's always going to be hard. But this is a team sport. You have to swallow that part of it and be there for the team. I have a new role and I accept that role. I want to try to help this team win."

Smith took six snaps. He completed one pass, to Bruce Miller, 3 yards short of a first down. Smith wasn't in there to get the passing record: With six more attempts, he could have qualified to win the league passer rating. For the past two months, his statistics have been frozen at the top of the leaderboard.

Maybe the title wasn't meant to be. Maybe it would be too awkward to have to cut the league's passing leader in the offseason.

Harbaugh isn't a particularly sentimental man, so it might be true that he simply wanted Smith to have real game action in case he needs to play in January. Or Harbaugh actually might have planned for the QB whose pads he used to pound before every game to receive an ovation in what might have been his final appearance at Candlestick.

"I'm not thinking about that at all right now," Smith said of a possible farewell.

And he claims he isn't thinking about where he might be next season. He wasn't auditioning for the Arizona Cardinals.

"Absolutely not," he said. "That's for you guys and everyone else. I love what's going on here. This is such a great group of guys."

As he came off the field to cheers, Smith had a big smile.

"He deserved it," said Frank Gore, who has been with Smith every step of the way.

The previous Sunday, the 49ers endured a dismal, bitter night. But on Sunday, the pendulum swung in the other direction. After a very slow start, their defense and offense clicked back into action. They beat the Cardinals 27-13. And then Minnesota did them a huge favor by beating Green Bay. Everything went right.

"That's just the way of the NFL," Staley said. "You can't get too up and you can't get too down. You can only control what you can control."

The way of the NFL. NFC Player of the Week in one game against a division opponent, out of a starting job and reduced to mop-up duty in the next meeting. Booed for most of six years and cheered on your way out the door.